The Ethiopian Academy of Sciences organized a panel discussion on July 2, 2026, to examine artificial intelligence and its effects on the arts. Experts addressed opportunities and challenges for Ethiopia's cultural heritage. The event took place at the Ethiopian Heritage Authority hall.
The discussion centered on whether artificial intelligence should be seen as a tool for creative progress or a risk to traditional artistic authenticity. Participants included researchers, policy experts, and creative professionals who analyzed AI applications in music, literature, and visual arts.
Seretse Ferehiwot, Director General of the Ethiopian Archives and Library Service, stated that public policy must integrate with artistic resource preservation to protect the nation's collective memory. Wondwosen Mulugeta stressed the need for data feeding that trains AI models on Ethiopian languages and artistic content using local ethical and legal principles.
Speakers noted AI's potential to assist with composition analysis, cross-lingual translation, and archival restoration. They also raised issues about intellectual property, data ethics, and risks of cultural homogenization from foreign-trained models. The forum concluded that responsible AI use, national data sovereignty, and collaboration between technology developers and the creative sector are required.
